Reloads long term storage

[dreday383]

So I'm new to reloading and only have about 1000 rounds under my belt. My question is should I do anything special to my reloads when making them for long term storage. I know I should keep them in a air tight container but as far as preping the brass etc when making the rounds do I need any special steps? Thanks!


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[NorCalFocus]

I throw desiccant packs in with mine. Other than that, just store em in a cool, dry place.

[Red9]

Ammo cans. Lots of ammo cans. I bulk load my cans. There was a sale on them a few days ago for 6.24 a set of 3.

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[rg1]

Nothing special needed other than the container. Best containers are military ammo cans or copies. Even if you've got super shiny brass, after a few years the shiny brass will dull a bit but not an issue. I store pistol rounds loose in 30 cal. ammo cans, stack .223 or small cases in 30 cal. cans and larger calibers I stack them in 30 cal and 50 caliber ammo cans. Stacking them is tedious but you get more ammo in a can stacked than loose. The ammo cans get heavy.

[XDJYo]

I prep the brass before loading. I swab them down with a Q-tip and alcohol, pay special attention to the primer pockets. Then, after I'm done, I'll use a microfiber towel and coat them with beeswax. J/K!

Seriously though, nothing special really. If you have ammo cans, that's perfect. Even more perfecter is if you have some dessicant packs. I wouldn't go crazy unless you're in a really, really, really humid environment and plan on keep the ammo for a very long time.

[Red9]

Nothing special needed other than the container. Best containers are military ammo cans or copies. Even if you've got super shiny brass, after a few years the shiny brass will dull a bit but not an issue. I store pistol rounds loose in 30 cal. ammo cans, stack .223 or small cases in 30 cal. cans and larger calibers I stack them in 30 cal and 50 caliber ammo cans. Stacking them is tedious but you get more ammo in a can stacked than loose. The ammo cans get heavy.

Whoa you stack them? I thiught I had OCD. Just kidding. Now excuse me I have some readjusting to do in the shop.

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[wbunning]

So I'm new to reloading and only have about 1000 rounds under my belt. My question is should I do anything special to my reloads when making them for long term storage. I know I should keep them in a air tight container but as far as preping the brass etc when making the rounds do I need any special steps? Thanks!


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Don't load for long term. Buy COMPONENTS for the long run, then load 'em as you need 'em.

[TexasJackKin]

Just a question for you guys, I've got one of those "seal-a-meal" vacuum packers, for vacuum sealing venison before freezing it.

Would it be a good idea to vacuum seal ammo? Or is there a down side I'm not thinking of?

[TAS]

Don't load for long term. Buy COMPONENTS for the long run, then load 'em as you need 'em.

This really makes sense if you reload for a lot of different calibers. Sure, stockpile loaded ammo so that you always have it on hand but having the components stockpiled allows for more flexibility down the road.

[DaveInOroValley]

Already been mentioned but a cool dry room temp storage is the best. Recent small article in the American Rifleman had a blurb on ideal storage conditions and this was mentioned as well since all powder is susceptible to moisture damage and permeation.

[tonyjr]

Long term for me is at most 6 months . Nephews / nieces .
When I go to dollar store , I pick up 10 to 20 boxes of baking soda - it keeps the cans dry , is cheap and also sucks up smell . Most of time fired cases go into the ammo box / can and when opened smells enough that wife wants cans opened before they are brought into garage / house .
I / we do a lot of calibers and paint caliber on can .
I insist on nephews buy a pound of powder / brick of primers when they go to range [ bullets are bought on " net " . ]
I / we get the cans at costco or when someone goes to Reno . In your case Las vegas @ K-mart or Wall-mart . I am not a fan of plastic ammo boxes [ 30 / 50 caliber ] They are for going camping mainly .
I also put in a wash cloth in can - anyone who shoots a lot can tell you how dirty your hands can get .
A plastic ammo box is also good for 1st aid box - big enough to put most of 1st aid stuff in .

[03fatboy]

Reloads long term storage

I don't do anything. Put the ammo and supplies in a dry and safe place and use when I need it. Never any issues and been doing this for the last 10-15 years.

[rg1]

Stacking .223 Rem in a 30 caliber ammo can: Loose--approx. 600. Stacked neatly, 2 rows, bullets inward, 900 rounds in same can. Just to pack more in a can and not necessarily OCD.

[Che762x39]

So I'm new to reloading and only have about 1000 rounds under my belt. My question is should I do anything special to my reloads when making them for long term storage. I know I should keep them in a air tight container but as far as preping the brass etc when making the rounds do I need any special steps? Thanks!


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Being a new reloader you might get crazy. When I first started out I had got a deal on .30 cal bullets for my .30-30. 30+ years later I am still working thru that batch.

Now if it was 5.56 NATO or 7.62 Russian it would be a different story.

[tonyjr]

Deals are deals
I want a new gun - the 1st thing is to check out prices.
Next is to start buying dies , shell plate , bullets and cases .